Written by

Diana Costello

The Journal News

The districts that charge top dollar aren't overly focused on test scores. Rather, leaders in the most elite schools say they're more concerned about developing skills that go beyond standardized assessments.

"What we're really focused on as a district is, 'How can we ensure that all students, in addition to acquiring the necessary content knowledge, can think deeply, support their thinking, apply problem-solving skills and actively participate in their learning?' " Chappaqua Schools Superintendent David Fleishman said. "We think as long as we do that, the rest should take care of itself."

Providing such an education isn't cheap. Bronxville, Scarsdale and Chappaqua are recognized as some of the most prestigious public schools in the country - and residents there pay the most school taxes on average.

How do these schools maintain their appeal?

"We have to earn it every day," Bronxville Superintendent David Quattrone said. "We're interested in doing what we do better and exploring ways to be as good as we can be."

Leaders in each district cited common themes: a staff of experienced teachers devoted to their craft, a commitment to integrating the arts across the curriculum and a supportive community.

Scarsdale Superintendent Michael McGill noted a training program for teachers that focuses on drawing connections among the arts. The partnership with the Lincoln Center Institute in Manhattan includes having working artists visit the schools.

Scarsdale has set itself apart by phasing out Advanced Placement courses at the high school and replacing them with its own advanced topics courses. McGill said that though AP classes have served many schools well, they have restricted educators from delving deeply into subjects because there is so much material to be covered.

Parents initially expressed concern that the loss would hurt their children's chances at the most elite colleges, but McGill said Scarsdale is so well known that college admissions officers will take the change in stride.

Fleishman highlighted Chappaqua's rich electives program as a way in which the schools encourage students to be actively engaged.

There are two student newspapers at the high school, for example, and a commitment to the fine and performing arts from kindergarten through graduation.

He also credited a community that supports the schools and expects nothing but the best.

"Money is one thing," Fleishman said. "But it's the type of culture you have that's important."

Though the culture of these districts is geared toward high achievers aiming for the nation's top colleges, educators say they also keep a close watch on those who struggle. Quattrone touted Bronxville's extensive skills program for students who need extra help.

"Our main job is to make sure all our students are productive, caring citizens," he said. "Starting with kindergarten, we're interested in developing the minds of our students, not just their résumés."